Harleys gather at the Vatican

Pope Francis held a blessing June 16, 2013, for Harley-Davidson riders gathered in Italy to celebrate the company's 110th anniversary.

By Photos by Associated Press and Getty Images

on June 16, 2013 8:04 PM

Photo: Riccardo De Luca, Associated Press

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Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to the start of the mass. The riders are gathered in Rome for a four-day event to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to ... more

Photo: Riccardo De Luca, Associated Press

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St.... Photo-4794040.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

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Pope Francis (up R) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican City. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (up R) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican City. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to ... more

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate ... more

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate ... more

Pope Francis (C) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican-city. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (C) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican-city. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to ... more

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate ... more

Pope Francis (C) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican city. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (C) blesses Harley-Davidson motorbikers before the mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" in Via della Conciliazione on June 16, 2013 at Vatican city. Harley-Davidson owners arrived in Rome to ... more

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Pope Francis (R) blesses Harley-Davidson bikers on June 16, 2013 before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate ... more

Harley-Davidson bikers wait on June 16, 2013 for the pope before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle brand's 110th anniversary. less

Harley-Davidson bikers wait on June 16, 2013 for the pope before a mass for the day of "Evangelium Vitae" on Via della Conciliazione at the Vatican. Harley-Davidson riders arrived in Rome to celebrate the ... more

Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI, AFP/Getty Images

Harley-Davidson bikers wait on June 16, 2013 for the pope before a... Photo-4794079.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

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Harley-Davidson motorcycles are parked in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands of Harley Davidsons and their riders as the American motorcycle manufacturer celebrated its 110th anniversary with a loud parade and plenty of leather. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are parked in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed ... more

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to the start of the mass. The riders are gathered in Rome for a four-day event to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to ... more

Photo: Riccardo De Luca, Associated Press

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St.... Photo-4794042.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 15 of 41

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, top, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of Harley-Davidson lovers have met in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, top, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of Harley-Davidson lovers have met in Rome to ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, top, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of Harley-Davidson lovers have met in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, top, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of Harley-Davidson lovers have met in Rome to ... more

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are parked in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands of Harley Davidsons and their riders as the American motorcycle manufacturer celebrated its 110th anniversary with a loud parade and plenty of leather. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are parked in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, white figure seen above the crowd at top right, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of Harley-Davidson lovers have met in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles are parked as Pope Francis, white figure seen above the crowd at top right, arrives to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Thousands of ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles riders park their motorcycles in Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican, seen at left, as they wait for Pope Francis to drive by to bless them ahead of mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The riders are gathered in Rome for a four-day event to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles riders park their motorcycles in Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican, seen at left, as they wait for Pope Francis to drive by to bless them ahead of mass in St. Peter's ... more

Pope Francis blesses a sick or disabled person wearing Harley-Davidson garb at the end of a pro-life Mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands of Harley Davidsons and their riders as the American motorcycle manufacturer celebrated its 110th anniversary with a loud parade and plenty of leather. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Pope Francis blesses a sick or disabled person wearing Harley-Davidson garb at the end of a pro-life Mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands ... more

Harley-Davidson riders parade in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands of Harley Davidsons and their riders as the American motorcycle manufacturer celebrated its 110th anniversary with a loud parade and plenty of leather. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Harley-Davidson riders parade in Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Pope Francis on Sunday blessed thousands ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles riders park their motorcycles in Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican, seen at top, as they wait for Pope Francis to drive by to bless them ahead of mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The riders are gathered in Rome for a four-day event to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles riders park their motorcycles in Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican, seen at top, as they wait for Pope Francis to drive by to bless them ahead of mass in St. Peter's ... more

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to the start of the mass. The riders are gathered in Rome for a four-day event to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca) less

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 16, 2013. The pontiff greeted hundreds of Harley Davidson riders and blessed their motorcycles prior to ... more

Photo: Riccardo De Luca, Associated Press

Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives for a Mass in St.... Photo-4794034.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

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Harley Davidson riders park their motorcycles along 'Via della Conciliazione' during the mass for the 'Evangelium Vitae' Day at St. Peter's Square on June 16, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Harley Davidson riders park their motorcycles along 'Via della Conciliazione' during the mass for the 'Evangelium Vitae' Day at St. Peter's Square on June 16, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. In background is Rome's Colosseum. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley Davidson motorcycles parade through the center of Rome, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are meeting in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The ... more

A Harley-Davidson motorbiker rides by the Vatican during 110th Anniversary event in Rome on June 14, 2013. Around 100,000 Harley-Davidson owners arrived on Rome to celebrate the motorcycle's 110th anniversary. The highlight of the four-day meeting will be the blessing by Pope Francis in St Peter's Square on 16 June. less

A Harley-Davidson motorbiker rides by the Vatican during 110th Anniversary event in Rome on June 14, 2013. Around 100,000 Harley-Davidson owners arrived on Rome to celebrate the motorcycle's 110th anniversary. ... more

Photo: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE, AFP/Getty Images

A Harley-Davidson motorbiker rides by the Vatican during 110th... Photo-4794081.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

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Harley-Davidson motorbikers poses near the Vatican during 110th Anniversary event in Rome on June 14, 2013. Around 100,000 Harley-Davidson owners arrived on Rome to celebrate the motorcycle's 110th anniversary. The highlight of the four-day meeting will be the blessing by Pope Francis in St Peter's Square on 16 June. less

Harley-Davidson motorbikers poses near the Vatican during 110th Anniversary event in Rome on June 14, 2013. Around 100,000 Harley-Davidson owners arrived on Rome to celebrate the motorcycle's 110th anniversary. ... more

Photo: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE, AFP/Getty Images

Harley-Davidson motorbikers poses near the Vatican during 110th... Photo-4794080.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

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St. Peter's Basilica is reflected in the rear mirror of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, in Rome, Thursday, June 13, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are expected to meet in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

St. Peter's Basilica is reflected in the rear mirror of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, in Rome, Thursday, June 13, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are expected to meet in Rome to celebrate the ... more

Photo: Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

St. Peter's Basilica is reflected in the rear mirror of a... Photo-4794070.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 38 of 41

Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders from London stop in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican as they tour Rome, Thursday, June 13, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are expected to meet in Rome to celebrate the motorcycle company's 110th anniversary. The four-day event includes a major parade through the heart of the city and a blessing by Pope Francis during his Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) less

Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders from London stop in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican as they tour Rome, Thursday, June 13, 2013. Thousands of of Harley-Davidson lovers are expected to meet in Rome ... more

Photo: Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders from London stop in front of St.... Photo-4794067.64675 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 39 of 41

Pope Francis is shown a leather jacket from Harley Davidson Motor Company senior vice-president Mark Hans-Richer, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Pope Francis is shown a leather jacket from Harley Davidson Motor Company senior vice-president Mark Hans-Richer, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 12, 2013.